The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48:

Cymbal \Cym"bal\ (s?m"bal). n. [OE. cimbale, simbale, OF.
   cimbale, F. cymbale, L. cymbalum, fr. Gr. ky`mbalon, fr.
   ky`mbh, ky`mbos, anything hollow, hollow vessel, basin, akin
   to Skr. kubha pot. Cf. Chime.]
   1. A musical instrument used by the ancients. It is supposed
      to have been similar to the modern kettle drum, though
      perhaps smaller.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. A musical instrument of brass, shaped like a circular dish
      or a flat plate, with a handle at the back; -- used in
      pairs to produce a sharp ringing sound by clashing them
      together.
      [1913 Webster]

   Note: In orchestras, one cymbal is commonly attached to the
         bass drum, and the other heid in the drummer's left
         hand, while his right hand uses the drumstick.
         [1913 Webster]

   3. A musical instrument used by gypsies and others, made of
      steel wire, in a triangular form, on which are movable
      rings.
      [1913 Webster]

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2006):

cymbal
    n 1: a percussion instrument consisting of a concave brass disk;
         makes a loud crashing sound when hit with a drumstick or
         when two are struck together